Home birth what to expect

APPARENTLY Meghan Markle is considering a “natural” home birth. With the greatest of respect, I would seriously urge her to have a rethink. She’s a first-time mum in her late thirties and if I was in her snazzy high heels, I would have the nearest hospital on speed dial, for it is there you will find pain-killing drugs, medical experts and state-of-the-art technology. Meghan is said to be looking into “hypnobirthing” techniques and having the baby in her own bed in her new mansion in Frogmore on the Royal Windsor estate. She’s currently designing a nursery and a suite for her mum Doria, who will be helping out when the baby arrives. If Meghan goes down her version of the “natural” route, she would be relying on breathing techniques, yoga moves and self-hypnosis to relieve the agony. Well, good luck with that. And if it all works, then she’s a very lucky woman and I’d be delighted for her. But this is real life, not a movie … [Read more...] about Good luck with a home birth Meghan Markle, it’s seriously hard labour

I sat at the edge of my bed and, in the grogginess that accompanies 3 a.m., allowed my mind to drift.I smiled, thinking of my toddler's reaction months earlier when my wife pointed at two faint lines on a stick and told him he was going to be a big brother. Poor kid; he cried, somehow aware his little world was about to be rocked.I started to replay my own bumbling reaction to the news when a hard squeeze on my right hand jerked me back to the moment."Here comes another one," my wife moaned, bracing herself for the next contraction.After nine months of morning sickness, worrisome ultrasounds and midnight snack runs, the event we had been preparing and praying for was upon us."I can't do this," she said as the contraction faded. My wife took two deep breaths, relaxed her shoulders then repeated herself in a softer, almost weeping voice.I wiped a tear from her cheek, leaned in close and tried to whisper something reassuring. "That's not true, Bethany. You're doing great. Everything's … [Read more...] about A home birth decision: Risk. Worry. Push …

April is Autism Awareness Month.What does that mean? It means the prevalence of autism is estimated at one in 64 births in Arizona, and nationwide more than 3 million people are living with autism spectrum disorder at an annual cost of $60 billion.It means the 12th Annual Autism Walk & Resource Fair to benefit the Autism Society of Southern Arizona will provide a public forum for education and support on April 28 at Kino Sports Complex.For Karla Jones and others in Southern Arizona who have a child or family member living with autism, it means even more: It means hope.“The Autism Society of Southern Arizona has so much information and so many contacts and so many people who can share their stories and you can identify with them,” said Karla. “I know that I am not alone and it is OK for me to feel all these emotions: Sad, happy, discouraged and frustrated.“I am not the only one who feels that way. Hearing from people who went through the same things makes you … [Read more...] about Autism Society is invaluable resource to children, families